The international credibility of global eradication rested on the assurance that smallpox was absent from all countries. The Director-General of WHO convened a Consultation on Worldwide Certification of Smallpox Eradication. Participants (see Smallpox and It Eradication, Ch 24:1146-7) were 17 experts on epidemiology, virology, and public health administration from 15 countries. The consultation determined that 79 countries required certification by International Commission. Non-endemic countries where importations had occurred or were likely to occur were visited by WHO experts/consultants and/or submitted detailed country reports. These countries are listed below. For detailed country procedures, see Smallpox and Its Eradication, Chapters 26 and 27.

The Consultation recommended establishment of an International Commission for the Global Certification of Smallpox Eradication. The Global Commission included most members of the consultation, almost all of whom had served on International Commissions, as well as other appointees from International Commissions. The Global Commission met first in Dec 1978. At its final meeting in Dec 1979, it certified global smallpox eradication and issued its final report and recommendations for post-eradication activities.

Non-endemic countries not at high risk of importations submitted Declarations of Smallpox-Free Status.